There are some cakes that you make once and then can never forget. For me, that unforgettable cake was Nigella Lawson’s Chocolate Guinness Cake.
I still remember the first time I baked it. I had been searching for something rich, decadent, but also a little bit different to serve at a friend’s birthday party. When I stumbled upon Nigella’s recipe, I was instantly intrigued. Beer in a cake? I had to give it a try.
The magic happened the moment I poured the Guinness into the batter. The deep, roasted aroma filled the kitchen and gave the whole baking process a warmth that I had never experienced before.
And the finished product? A deep, almost black chocolate cake that was incredibly moist, with a subtle bitterness perfectly balanced by the sweetness.
Topped with a fluffy, cream cheese frosting, it looked just like a pint of Guinness with its dark body and creamy top. It was love at first bite.
Since then, this cake has become my secret weapon for celebrations. Whenever I make it, it sparks conversations, and there is always someone asking for the recipe.
It is not just a cake, it is an experience. If you love chocolate desserts that are a little bold, slightly adult, and absolutely unforgettable, you are going to fall for this recipe just like I did.
This Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake brings a touch of sophistication and fun to any gathering, and even those who are not fans of beer end up savoring every bite.
It has become a staple in my baking repertoire, and I am thrilled to share my personal journey with this iconic cake with you.
What is Nigella Lawson’s Chocolate Guinness Cake?
Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake is a rich, dark, and ultra-moist chocolate cake infused with Guinness stout. The beer enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a malty depth, while the luscious cream cheese frosting provides a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. It is a visually striking dessert that looks just like a frothy pint of Guinness.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You should try this recipe because it is unlike any chocolate cake you have ever had. The Guinness adds richness without making the cake taste like beer, and the texture is perfectly moist and tender. It is an elegant yet approachable dessert, ideal for birthdays, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or whenever you want to impress guests with something truly special.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake
For the Cake:
-
250 ml Guinness stout
-
250 grams unsalted butter
-
75 grams cocoa powder
-
400 grams granulated sugar
-
142 ml sour cream
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
275 grams all-purpose flour
-
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
For the Frosting:
-
300 grams cream cheese, room temperature
-
150 grams powdered sugar
-
125 ml heavy cream
Instruction to Make Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and line a 9-inch springform pan.
-
In a large saucepan, combine the Guinness and butter. Place over low heat until the butter melts completely.
-
Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved and smooth.
-
In a separate bowl, beat the sour cream with the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Add the sour cream mixture into the Guinness mixture and stir gently.
-
Sift the flour and baking soda together, then whisk into the wet ingredients until smooth and lump-free.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the Frosting:
-
Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
-
Gradually add the heavy cream and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
-
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top of the cake only, mimicking the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.
Nigella Lawson's Chocolate Guinness Cake
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 250 ml Guinness stout
- 250 grams unsalted butter
- 75 grams cocoa powder
- 400 grams granulated sugar
- 142 ml sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 275 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
For the Frosting:
- 300 grams cream cheese room temperature
- 150 grams powdered sugar
- 125 ml heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and line a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large saucepan, combine the Guinness and butter. Place over low heat until the butter melts completely.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the sour cream with the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the sour cream mixture into the Guinness mixture and stir gently.
- Sift the flour and baking soda together, then whisk into the wet ingredients until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the heavy cream and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top of the cake only, mimicking the frothy head of a pint of Guinness.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as that can make the cake dense.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture and flavor. When making the frosting, be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- And always let the cake cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
Nutritional Value
One slice of Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake (assuming 12 slices) approximately provides:- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 6g
What Goes Well with Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of Irish whiskey if you are feeling festive. A few fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also complement the richness of the cake perfectly. For an even bigger celebration, serving it alongside an Irish cream liqueur is a treat.
My Tips to Make the Best Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake
Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as that can make the cake dense. Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture and flavor. When making the frosting, be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. And always let the cake cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
Easy Variations of Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake
-
Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings.
-
Mocha Twist: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the cake batter for a deeper chocolate-coffee flavor.
-
Double Chocolate: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for pockets of melty goodness.
-
Boozy Frosting: Add a tablespoon of Baileys Irish Cream to the frosting for a grown-up twist.
Best Way to Store Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving.
Nutritional Value
One slice of Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake (assuming 12 slices) approximately provides:
-
Calories: 450
-
Fat: 28g
-
Carbohydrates: 46g
-
Sugar: 30g
-
Protein: 6g
Please note that nutritional values can vary slightly depending on exact ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I taste the Guinness in the cake?
The Guinness enhances the chocolate flavor but does not make the cake taste strongly of beer.
Can I use a different beer?
Guinness gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with any dark stout if needed.
Is it safe for kids to eat?
Yes, the alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving behind just the flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can adapt this cake easily.
Conclusion
Baking Nigella Lawson’s Chocolate Guinness Cake for the first time truly changed the way I viewed chocolate cakes. It taught me that a little creativity, like adding beer to a cake, can elevate a classic into something absolutely extraordinary. Every time I bake this cake now, whether it is for a big celebration or just a quiet weekend treat, I am reminded of that magical afternoon when I pulled it out of the oven and knew something special had happened.
One of my favorite memories tied to this cake is bringing it to a St. Patrick’s Day potluck where I nervously placed it on the dessert table among dozens of cookies and cupcakes. To my amazement, it was the first dessert to vanish, with guests asking if there were second helpings or if I had brought the recipe. Moments like that made me realize that baking is not just about following a recipe, it is about sharing something meaningful, and this cake has the power to do exactly that.
I genuinely believe that if you give this Nigella Lawson Chocolate Guinness Cake a try, it will become a cherished recipe in your collection too. It is indulgent without being heavy, rich but still refined, and just different enough to spark excitement. Whether you are baking it for a birthday, a holiday, or simply because you deserve a slice of something special, I hope you fall in love with it just like I did. Happy baking and even happier eating!
